Minutes of the Meeting
Fitzwilliam Town Library Board of Trustees
6 June, 2022
Present: Trustees Robin Marra, Beth Lorenz, Richard Marshall, Carole Beckwith, Pam Troccia and Kate Thomas, Library Director; Alternate Trustees Nancy Fey-Yensan and Brian Doerpholz (via zoom).
Robin Marra called the meeting to order at 5:43 in the Quick Meeting Room of the Library.
The minutes of the May 2, 2022 meeting were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Beth Lorenz and seconded by Richard Marshall. The motion was approved by all Trustees.
The manifest was reviewed and signed by all Trustees present.
The Chair will provide documentation regarding the Fitzwilliam Library Trusts and invested monies at the next meeting. Richard Marshall has been working with Debbie Favreau and Dick Goettle, the Chair of the Trustees of the Trust, to determine the specific purpose of each trust. Richard has also done research on the Funds previously managed by Raymond James and Fidelity. More detailed information will be provided at the meeting in July. A review of the following policies will be done at the July meeting of the Trustees; Gift, Bulletin Board and Meeting Room Policies.
Kate reviewed the Library Directors report and Expenses to Date. Circulation for March down 18%, at a total of 1,393. There were ten adult programs and twelve children’s programs presented, with a total attendance of 216. Kate prepared an analysis of the trend of items checked out in the month of May over the last five years. The Trustees had a general discussion of the analysis and ways to improve patron traffic and increase checkouts. The summer reading kick off will be held on June 25th and there are two additional exciting children’s programs, one in July and one in August, being planned. One of the library computers is not working. Rich Macomber is still working on the two public computers. Kate has ordered the plaque for Rita Nirenberg and is waiting to proofread the language before final approval and purchase.
Under Old Business, Richard Marshall and Brian Doerpholz talked about the process to receive monies from the Expendable Trust to possibly cover some of the expenses related to the Locke Collection. Any work expected to cost over $500.00 is required to go out to bid and the Selectmen would like to look at three bids. The Selectmen will make that determination after reviewing the bids.
The review of the Internet and Social Media policies was completed by the Trustees. Beth Lorenz made a motion to approve the policies as they currently exist without revision. Pam Troccia seconded and the motion was approved by all Trustees.
Under New Business, Carole Beckwith reported on her takeaway from the NHLTA 2022 Spring Conference. One workshop she attended highlighted the dramatic rise in Intellectual Freedom challenges across the nation and provided practical tips and resources to prepare for possible book and program challenges. Kate and the staff of the library are aware of the possible problems and how to address any challenges presented by a patron. Carole also shared knowledge she gained by attending the workshop on The Human Library, which is a living library where humans are the books and the stories are their lives. Kate will be exploring the possibility of bringing this type of program to the Fitzwilliam library. Alternate Trustee Nancy Fey-Yensan also shared information she learned at the workshops she attended at the conference, such as Budgeting for Success and Library Money, Friends and Foundations. These workshops will provide valuable insights needed to keep the Trustees and staff current on opportunities to improve the Fitzwilliam Library and also to assist in keeping the Long-Range Planning on track.
Under Ongoing Business, Kate and Nancy attended the last meeting of the Friends of the Library and believe there will be a member willing to participate in the Long-Range Planning Committee. Beth Lorenz provided an estimate from Top Dawg Design Build, LLC, to complete the work on the fence, in the amount of $9,300.00. Some of the items listed in the estimate should be able to be provided by volunteers and can be revised if that is the case.
As no other business or announcements were brought forth for discussion, the next Trustee meeting has been scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2022 at 5:45, with Zoom access available.
A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:56 p.m. was made by Pam Troccia and seconded by Beth Lorenz. The motion was approved by all Trustees.
Respectfully submitted.
Pam Troccia
Secretary